TUSCALOOSA CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 3: Crow wants to utilize business skills

By Jamon SmithStaff Writer

Published: Friday, June 21, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 11:52 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | Tuscaloosa native and business owner Norman Crow on Wednesday announced his candidacy for the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education District 3 seat, which is now held by Sena Stewart.

Facts

Norman Crow

Birthdate: Feb. 2, 1968Birthplace: TuscaloosaEducation: Graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in1986; graduated from the University of Alabama in 1990; certified as a public accountant in 1994 Occupation: President, D.T. and Freight Co. Inc. Political background: First-time candidate Web site/email address: www.NormanCrow.com; nacrow1@aol.com

The 45-year-old president and owner of D.T. and Freight Co. — a local trucking company that’s been in business since 2004 — is a political newcomer.

Crow said he has a proven record of bringing people together in his business and at his church. He said he believes he can do the same for the school board.

“I really think that new leadership and a fresh look at everything is needed,” he said. “I think we have a great superintendent and administrators, but we need to empower them to make the decisions that can make change happen.”

Crow said one of the primary concerns of District 3 residents is that they feel their children aren’t getting the best education possible.

He said the high school graduation rates are too low, especially considering the resources Tuscaloosa City Schools has.

“I think that we really need to look hard at the graduation rate, and we need to make sure that all kids are getting the best opportunities,” he said. “With a better education they’ll have a better quality of life.

“I think that’s a critical thing going on right now. Children need to be prepared for the workforce.”

In addition to running D.T. Freight and Co., Crow serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama and teaches Sunday school at First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa.

He graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in 1986. He’s also a graduate of the University of Alabama.

He and his wife, Keeshan, have been married for 14 years. They have three children. Two attend Tuscaloosa Academy and their youngest attends Verner Elementary in the Tuscaloosa City School System.

“As a product of public education, I truly believe in the mission of public schools to provide high quality education for all children,” he said. “However, my wife and I have had to make some difficult choices over the last few years about what is best for our children’s education.

“So, our kids attend both public and private schools in Tuscaloosa. I don’t want other parents to face the same decisions we have been faced with.”

Elections for the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education will be held on Aug. 27.

<p>TUSCALOOSA | Tuscaloosa native and business owner Norman Crow on Wednesday announced his candidacy for the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education District 3 seat, which is now held by Sena Stewart.</p><p>The 45-year-old president and owner of D.T. and Freight Co. — a local trucking company that's been in business since 2004 — is a political newcomer.</p><p>Crow said he has a proven record of bringing people together in his business and at his church. He said he believes he can do the same for the school board.</p><p>“I really think that new leadership and a fresh look at everything is needed,” he said. “I think we have a great superintendent and administrators, but we need to empower them to make the decisions that can make change happen.”</p><p>Crow said one of the primary concerns of District 3 residents is that they feel their children aren't getting the best education possible. </p><p>He said the high school graduation rates are too low, especially considering the resources Tuscaloosa City Schools has.</p><p>“I think that we really need to look hard at the graduation rate, and we need to make sure that all kids are getting the best opportunities,” he said. “With a better education they'll have a better quality of life. </p><p>“I think that's a critical thing going on right now. Children need to be prepared for the workforce.”</p><p>In addition to running D.T. Freight and Co., Crow serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama and teaches Sunday school at First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa.</p><p>He graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in 1986. He's also a graduate of the University of Alabama.</p><p>He and his wife, Keeshan, have been married for 14 years. They have three children. Two attend Tuscaloosa Academy and their youngest attends Verner Elementary in the Tuscaloosa City School System.</p><p>“As a product of public education, I truly believe in the mission of public schools to provide high quality education for all children,” he said. “However, my wife and I have had to make some difficult choices over the last few years about what is best for our children's education.</p><p>“So, our kids attend both public and private schools in Tuscaloosa. I don't want other parents to face the same decisions we have been faced with.” </p><p>Elections for the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education will be held on Aug. 27.</p><p>Reach Jamon Smith at jamon.smith@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0204.</p>